James Harden out again vs. Magic

James Harden attended the Rockets’ morning shootaround at Toyota Center but did not participate and will not play tonight against the Magic, Rockets coach Kevin McHale said.

Also, forward Chandler Parsons missed the shootaround with what was described as food poisoning and will be a game-time decision. McHale did not offer details of Parsons’ condition but linked it in whimsical fashion to the woes of Parsons’ alma mater, Florida, in the NCAA Tournament.

“I said (Parsons) didn’t really have food poisoning as much as he had Wolverine poisoning,” McHale said, referring to Michigan’s win over Florida.

Regarding Harden, who missed the Rockets’ last game against the Clippers, McHale sounded more inclined to err on the side of caution as he sets his roster for a potential playoff run.

“I think it’ s important that James tries to get this thing to the best level he can, considering that we’re short on time,” McHale said.

But he added, “I’m not a doctor. I know one thing from when I played. Doctors don’t know. You know how you feel. Nobody can tell you how you feel. It’s up to him.”

Regarding his own medial expertise, McHale said, “I didn’t even stay at a Holiday Inn Express.”

Harden was slightly more optimistic than McHale regarding his availability, saying he was taking things day to day after icing his injured right foot twice today and receiving treatment.

“Closer to the game I’ll work out and see how it is,” he said. But he added, “Health is definitely more important. When I’m not effective on the court and not playing to my best abilities, hopefully guys can keep winning and we can go the right way and I hope I can come back and help them out as well.”

Forward Terrence Jones also was at today’s shootaround and was later called up from the Rockets’ Rio Grande Valley franchise in the NBA Development League.